Poor maternal mental health is a critical and growing public health issue. Over recent years, we have seen the rise of postpartum depression and anxiety. When a mother is struggling, the impact extends to her partner, her children, and even her community. As these challenges grow, so too does the need for effective solutions. Mental health challenges during pregnancy or postpartum can have lasting consequences, but with the right support, we can change the trajectory of families’ lives.

As Malekeh Amini, CEO of Trayt Health, points out, the statistics tell a sobering story. "Postpartum depression has been increasing for years, with an analysis by the CDC showing that it was seven times higher in 2015 than in 2000. Now, the Dobbs decision has created an entirely new level of anxiety, depression, and fear surrounding the inability to get medical care for life-threatening conditions."

The reality is that legal and societal shifts, like the Dobbs decision, have added new layers of stress for pregnant women. This raises an important question: how can we step up to ensure that mental health care reaches these women when they need it most? Luckily, organizations like Trayt Health and CareSource are using technology to expand access, especially in rural and underserved communities.

The Changing Needs of Pregnant and Postpartum Women

The mental health needs of pregnant women have evolved quickly. Two decades ago, postpartum depression was not a commonly discussed topic. Nowadays, it is a well-known and growing issue. According to Amini, postpartum depression rates were already soaring years ago, and they have recently been compounded by social and legal changes.

But what has changed? It’s not just the mental health struggles women face—it’s how those struggles are being recognized and addressed. We now understand that mental health is not an isolated issue. It touches every aspect of life, from a mother’s relationship with her partner to her ability to care for her children. And importantly, it is not just about depression. Anxiety, stress, and feelings of isolation are becoming increasingly common, particularly in areas where access to mental health services is limited.

Many of these women live in rural areas, far from the resources they need. And while they may be dealing with severe mental health challenges, the stigma around seeking help often prevents them from reaching out. This is where technology is stepping in, helping healthcare providers to connect with and support these women in ways that were not possible before.

The Power of Technology in Detecting Maternal Mental Health Conditions Early

We know that early intervention is key when it comes to maternal mental health, but how do we make that happen? One word: technology. Platforms like Trayt Health are bridging the gap between primary care and mental health specialists, enabling early detection and intervention for postpartum conditions like depression and anxiety.

Amini explains: "The primary care setting is the first line of defense and our best opportunity for early detection and intervention for maternal mental health conditions. The Trayt platform not only facilitates the screening process but also provides powerful data analytics to measure results and improve clinical decision-making."

This means OB/GYNs, pediatricians, and primary care providers can now work hand-in-hand with psychiatry specialists. By using Trayt’s Psychiatry Access Programs, healthcare providers can get the support they need to manage mental health issues within their own clinics. This is a valuable tool, especially in rural or underserved communities where psychiatrists are in short supply.

One of the best things about this technology? Universal screening. No one is left behind. Every woman has the opportunity to be assessed for mental health conditions, and doctors have the data they need to make informed decisions. It’s a game-changer for families, ensuring mothers can receive the mental health care they need before things get worse.

Overcoming Barriers to Maternal Mental Health Care

Of course, technology alone will not fix everything. We still need to tackle the stigma that surrounds maternal mental health, particularly when it comes to substance use disorders (SUD). Many women are afraid that seeking help will result in them being labeled as an unfit parent or reported for neglect. This fear can prevent them from accessing the care they so desperately need.

Sandra Berg, Senior Director of Behavioral Health at CareSource, highlights this challenge: "The stigma of mental health and substance use is a deterrent for pregnant women to seek care. Postpartum women also are fearful of disclosing a mental health or SUD challenge because someone may report them for neglect."

The reality is that these women need compassionate, non-judgmental support. And that is exactly what CareSource is offering through partnerships with telehealth providers like Brave Health and Luna Joy. By providing access to mental health care virtually, CareSource is helping women overcome the stigma and practical barriers that often prevent them from getting help.

For many women, especially those in rural areas, telehealth is a lifeline. Imagine living hours away from the nearest mental health specialist and having to choose between getting help or taking care of your newborn. For these mothers, telehealth offers the flexibility to connect with specialists from the comfort of their home, reducing both the time and stress involved in seeking care.

As Amini puts it: "By supporting statewide Psychiatry Access Programs, Trayt is bridging mental health deserts and expanding the reach of scarce mental health resources."

Looking Ahead: The Future of Maternal Mental Health

There is no question that technology will continue to play a vital role in maternal mental health. Healthcare providers like CareSource are committed to using these tools in innovative ways. Berg explains: "We continuously seek clinically sound collaboration with outcome-driven organizations to support our maternal mental health. We do this while maintaining close contact with our members to listen to what services they need."

Beyond telehealth, platforms like Manatee are taking a family-focused approach to maternal mental health. Dama Dipayana, Co-founder and CEO of Manatee, shares: "Meeting moms and families where they are with their virtual sessions is incredibly impactful. Additionally, building the metaphorical 'village' is vital to supporting new parents."

By offering services like virtual therapy and care coordination, Manatee helps families create sustainable, long-term mental health strategies. This holistic approach is key to addressing not only the needs of the mother but also the entire family unit.

As Dipayana notes, digital care will likely become the standard for maternal and family health. Virtual platforms enable faster intervention, reducing the time families spend waiting for care—a critical issue in underserved areas.

Conclusion

Maternal mental health is an issue that affects every corner of society, from the mothers themselves to their children, partners, and communities. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution, technology is opening new doors for early detection, intervention, and support. Platforms like Trayt Health, CareSource, and Manatee are proving that with the right tools and partnerships, we can break down barriers and provide the care that mothers need.

By combining human compassion with cutting-edge technology, we can create a brighter, healthier future for mothers and their families. For those interested in diving deeper into these topics, the Maternal Mental Health panels at the Behavioral Health Tech conference from November 5-7 in Phoenix, Arizona, will provide valuable insights and discussions on the future of maternal care.

References

[1] Amini M., Trayt Health. (2024). Supporting Maternal Mental Health Across Texas: A Case Study. Retrieved from Trayt Health Case Study.

[2] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Postpartum Depression Facts.

[3] Berg S., CareSource. (2024). Interview with Sandra Berg, Sr. Director of Behavioral Health and Programs, CareSource.

[4] Amini M., Trayt Health. (2024). Interview with Malekeh Amini, Founder and CEO of Trayt Health.

[5] Dipayana D., Manatee. (2024). Interview with Dama Dipayana, Co-founder and CEO of Manatee.